## April Office Hours with Ryder Carroll - The April office hours is a time for chatting with Ryder and asking questions about the method, Bullet Journal, and his life, and it starts with a couple of questions collected from the community to get the conversation started [(00:00:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=4s). - The community is encouraged to react in the chat, ask follow-up questions, and raise their hand at the bottom of the app to add to the conversation, and those with background noise are asked to mute for a clean recording [(00:00:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=49s). - The stealth set is a unique set that was created years ago as a collector's set with black gilding, and the new version is a pure writing set with a black color way, including a pen and a notebook in a special collector's box [(00:01:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=109s). - The stealth set is not particularly new, but it's a special edition with a black on black color way that Ryder is fond of, and it's a delightful set experience to unbox [(00:02:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=160s). ## Evolution of the Monthly Log and Future Planning - There was a recent video published about using the Bullet Journal with a digital calendar, which led to new folks finding the community, and Ryder is asked to update on how the monthly timeline has evolved and how future planning in the Bullet Journal exists today [(00:03:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=210s). - The monthly log in the Bullet Journal has evolved from a calendar and a list of tasks to a timeline and an action plan, with the idea of having an accurate record of what happened, rather than just planning what will happen [(00:03:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=238s). - The concept of using a timeline as a tool to track events and experiences is discussed, as it provides a bird's eye view of how a month has actually happened, including when certain events occurred, such as starting a diet, a job, or ending a relationship, and this is considered a more effective tool than relying on memory, which can be inaccurate [(00:04:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=287s). - The use of a digital calendar is also mentioned, but it is noted that it is not practical to continuously update a paper schedule, and instead, a combination of digital and analog tools, such as a notebook, can be used to track and reflect on experiences [(00:05:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=320s). - The importance of reflection in using a notebook, such as a bullet journal, is highlighted, as it allows for a more accurate record of lived experiences and helps to identify what has been done and what still needs to be done [(00:05:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=336s). ## Rituals in Bullet Journaling - The concept of rituals in bullet journaling is introduced, which refers to the way the notebook is used, and how it helps to read and reflect on what has been written, allowing users to avoid tasks falling through the cracks [(00:07:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=454s). - The use of rituals, such as reading through daily, weekly, and monthly logs, is emphasized as a key feature of bullet journaling, as it enables users to become aware of their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and to identify what still needs to be done [(00:08:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=508s). - A question from Carrie about avoiding actions slipping through the net is addressed, and it is suggested that using rituals and regularly reading through logs can help to prevent this from happening [(00:07:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=422s). - The daily ritual involves going through past days to determine which tasks need to be done, and it's noted that only a small percentage of tasks are migrated to the daily log, with a focus on completing three tasks per day [(00:08:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=526s). - The idea of constantly moving tasks can be a waste of time, as many actions have an expiration date and may become irrelevant or delegated, making it unnecessary to migrate every task [(00:09:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=577s). - Tasks can be left open for the week, and the weekly ritual allows for migration and review of tasks, making it possible to focus on the most important ones [(00:10:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=601s). - The weekly log is used to break down the monthly log into smaller, more manageable chunks, allowing for a focus on the current week's tasks without having to review the entire monthly log [(00:10:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=629s). - The ritual of reviewing and prioritizing tasks is essential, as it helps to avoid feeling overwhelmed by a large number of tasks, and it's argued that the ritual is what gives people time, rather than taking it away [(00:11:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=702s). - Without the ritual, it's easy to get caught up in the automatic flow of tasks and feel overwhelmed, as the to-do list will never be finished, and the ritual provides a necessary pause to step back and reassess priorities [(00:12:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=734s). - The current to-do list is being reviewed, and it is clear that there are too many tasks, setting oneself up for failure by the end of the month, simply by having slowed down and looked at the list [(00:12:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=750s). - Rituals are considered fail-safes to help stay on track, and an old meditation story is referenced, where an apprentice is told to meditate for 3 hours a day if they don't have time for an hour, highlighting the importance of rituals [(00:12:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=771s). - The monthly ritual is considered a crucial step back to assess progress, and not doing it can lead to feeling off, while the weekly ritual is also important but slightly different [(00:13:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=800s). ## Managing Multiple Intentions - A question is shared about keeping monthly task lists and rituals, and how to reflect and calm down when needed, with the person having kept monthly task lists since 2019 and recently starting a weekly ritual [(00:13:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=820s). - The importance of making time for beneficial processes and finding calm in awareness is discussed, and a question from Marin is mentioned, about how to follow up with multiple intentions when going through weekly and monthly reviews [(00:15:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=942s). - The challenge of having too many intentions and not being able to focus on one at a time is addressed, and the use of bullet Journal stickers, such as the lightning bolt, is mentioned as a potential solution, but not always effective [(00:16:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=977s). - The definition of an intention is discussed, as a commitment to a process, and the idea that having too many intentions can lead to conflict and difficulty in choosing which one to follow [(00:17:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1028s). - The process of setting intentions is about discovery and curiosity, and it involves getting things wrong, which is seen as a learning experience [(00:17:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1036s). - Setting intentions based on what's most alive for an individual, rather than what they think they should be setting intentions about, is a more effective approach [(00:18:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1090s). - Intentions can have multiple goals, such as being healthier, which can involve food, exercise, and rest, and it's a process of figuring out what works and what doesn't [(00:17:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1062s). - Having too many intentions can be overwhelming, so it's recommended to choose an intention based on what's most alive for the individual in a given moment [(00:19:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1175s). - Intentions can be used as a framework for making choices that align with the life an individual wants to live and the person they want to become [(00:19:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1148s). - Intentions don't have to be long-term and can last as long as they serve the individual, and new intentions can be set when the current one is no longer serving them [(00:20:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1210s). - The intention is not meant to be a source of self-criticism, but rather a guide for making choices, and it's okay if the individual doesn't always make the "right" choice [(00:19:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1158s). - Setting an intention can be as simple as deciding to be kind to oneself for a day, and it can help provide a sense of direction and purpose [(00:19:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1195s). - The intentionality stickers serve as reminders to be kind to oneself, eat well, or take other intentional actions, and they help remember the actions that have been decided to take, with the intention being just the beginning of the framework [(00:20:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1248s). - Underneath the intentions are the actual goals and action steps, and the bolt reminds one to put the intention into action, such as putting it on the fridge or computer [(00:21:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1267s). - It is recommended to pick a few intentions that are alive and can serve you, and they do not have to last forever, with the goal of giving specificity to what intentions can look like [(00:21:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1281s). - An example of an intention is to allow oneself to feel whatever emotions come up without judgment, which can be helpful when learning new things or going through challenging times [(00:22:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1338s). - Having an intention to be kind to oneself, open, and allowing feelings to emerge without judgment can make the process of doing hard things less miserable and more manageable [(00:23:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1425s). - Other examples of intentions include being healthy, committed, or open, and it is possible to have multiple intentions for different areas of life [(00:24:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1449s). - The intention is to provide a framework for making choices, allowing for easier decision-making without having to reinvent the wheel every time, and this intention is a critical element for guiding choices [(00:24:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1467s). - Having an intention in place helps to simplify and essentialize daily tasks, and it can be used as a filter to align tasks with personal intentions, making it easier to make choices throughout the day [(00:25:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1531s). - The intention is not just present in rituals, but it is alive throughout the entire day, guiding choices and decisions, and it can be reflected upon and adjusted as needed [(00:26:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1563s). - There can be a global intention that serves as an overarching goal, and then sub-intentions that are extensions of the global intention, allowing for a breakdown of goals and intentions into smaller, manageable parts [(00:26:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1603s). - Intentions and goals are not mutually exclusive, and while every goal needs to have an intention, not every intention needs to have a goal, and sometimes they can look very similar to one another [(00:27:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1651s). - A commitment to a process can involve having a goal that serves as the direction in that process, such as going to the gym five days a week to embody the intention of being healthier [(00:27:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1678s). - The distinction between intentions and goals is important, and understanding how they work together can help to create a clearer framework for making choices and achieving personal goals [(00:28:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1685s). - The process of becoming healthier involves having an intention, which is a commitment to the process, and goals that help embody that process, serving as a vehicle that moves forward and provides direction [(00:28:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1710s). - The process is not about achieving specific goals, but about continuously honoring the commitment to the process, and if a goal is not serving the process, it is not considered a failure, but rather a learning experience [(00:29:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1741s). ## Written Reflection and Self-Discovery - Felicia asked how to become wise at a young age, and the response is that it is due to a combination of stubbornness, necessity, and curiosity, as well as finding tools to accomplish things despite the lack of faith from others [(00:30:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1808s). - Bart asked about written reflection, and the response is that it should be used to explore something that is really alive and important, and can be broken down into four components, referred to as "taming", which includes targeting a specific time, action, or feeling [(00:31:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1913s). - The written reflection should be used to connect with something interesting and activating, and should not focus on mundane details, such as what was eaten on a particular day, but rather on the aliveness of the week and what can be learned from it [(00:32:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1946s). - Written reflection is a process that involves targeting a specific experience or conversation that is alive for the individual and writing about it, allowing whatever thoughts and feelings arise to be acknowledged and explored [(00:32:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1955s). - The goal of written reflection is to become mindful of what arises during the writing process, without becoming overwhelmed by feelings, and to observe what was felt, thought, and said during the experience [(00:32:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=1966s). - By writing about the experience, the individual can gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and stories, and explore what is underlying the original experience, including what is alive for them and what they are feeling and thinking [(00:33:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2036s). - The exploration aspect of written reflection involves examining the stories being told to oneself, what is underneath the original experience, and what actually happened, in order to gain a new perspective or shift in understanding [(00:34:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2043s). - Written reflection is a tool for synthesizing an experience, helping the individual to understand what happened, what was going on, and what is most alive for them, and to determine what to do with the insight gained [(00:34:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2069s). - The process of written reflection involves allowing oneself to feel and think about the experience, without judgment, and to become mindful of the thoughts, feelings, and stories that arise, in order to gain a deeper understanding of oneself and one's life [(00:35:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2117s). - The ability to take action and make decisions comes after allowing oneself to feel and think about the experience, and written reflection is a skill that requires tolerance and the ability to look at oneself in full picture [(00:35:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2128s). - The practice of written reflection can help individuals develop the skill of observing their life and themselves, and can lead to greater self-awareness and understanding, which is why it is considered a wise and valuable practice [(00:35:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2144s). - Using a framework and weekly reflection to look at oneself honestly with compassion is a powerful skill to develop, and it involves perpetual learning and curiosity about the world and one's inner world [(00:36:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2191s). ## Transformative Power of Bullet Journaling (Testimonial) - A testimonial was shared about using a bullet journal since 2016, initially as a massive analog to-do list, but it was demoralizing due to the user's undisclosed ADHD, which made them set themselves up to fail every day [(00:37:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2243s). - The user joined a membership and took a course, which helped them take their bullet journal use seriously, and they added a digital calendar to time block tasks, preventing overbooking and allowing them to see when they are done with their tasks for the day [(00:38:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2286s). - The user found the bullet journal system transformational, allowing them to identify patterns, change habits, and learn to say no or yes at the right time, which has improved their life, reduced shoulder pain, and helped them sleep better at night [(00:38:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2315s). ## Sharing Stories and Building Connections - The importance of sharing personal stories and experiences was emphasized, as it helps create real connections and combats artificial intimacy, where people may have many online friends but lack meaningful relationships [(00:40:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2420s). - The value of communities like the one discussed was highlighted, where people can share their stories and find genuine connections, and the power of story and shared experiences was noted as a way to help people feel less alone [(00:40:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2443s). - The idea of being the face of a brand, such as Bujo, and sharing personal life with others was discussed, with the conclusion that sharing stories and experiences can be a powerful way to connect with others and help them feel less alone [(00:40:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2453s). - The importance of sharing examples is highlighted as a way to help others understand and apply the bullet Journal method to their own lives, allowing them to see a mirror of themselves in the method and connect with others who practice it [(00:41:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2490s). - There is a distinction made between personal practices and the official bullet Journal method, with an effort to delineate between the two when sharing personal experiences [(00:42:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2535s). ## Addressing Judgment and Self-Compassion - The topic of judgment is discussed, and it is suggested that becoming aware of judgment is the first step in addressing it, recognizing that judgment often involves comparison and that comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy [(00:43:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2608s). - A technique for becoming more aware of thoughts and feelings is introduced, which involves naming them, and the bullet Journal method is adapted to include this technique, using the acronym "name" to categorize notes, actions, moods, and events [(00:44:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2655s). - The idea that the mind is constantly generating thoughts, not all of which are true or relevant, is presented, and it is emphasized that recognizing the difference between a thought and reality is crucial in managing judgment [(00:44:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2691s). - The concept of comparison is explored, and it is noted that comparison often leads to feelings of loss or inadequacy, and that recognizing and acknowledging these comparisons can help individuals let go of judgmental thoughts [(00:45:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2740s). - The importance of allowing oneself to feel emotions and become aware of judgmental thoughts is emphasized, and it is suggested that this awareness can help individuals find evidence of their own worth and challenge negative self-perceptions [(00:46:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2782s). - Allowing oneself to feel a certain way without judgment is important, as there is always a second layer of judgment, and one can judge themselves for judging themselves, feeling ashamed or angry about it [(00:46:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2795s). - Recognizing that feelings do not define a person's character, and that having a certain feeling in the moment does not mean anything about one's worth, can help to open up and begin to release self-judgment [(00:46:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2816s). - Writing down thoughts and feelings can help to create distance between the mind and the thought, allowing for a more objective perspective, and can help to loosen the grip of a thought [(00:47:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2830s). - Becoming aware of judgmental thoughts and questioning them is a practice that can help to release the grip of self-judgment, and it is a difficult and unintuitive process that requires mental repetitions and commitment [(00:47:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2871s). - The process of releasing self-judgment and finding self-compassion is an ongoing one, and it requires daily practice and a willingness to keep working at it, even when it is difficult [(00:48:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2925s). - Previous discussions on topics such as Radical Compassion and The Happiness Trap have also explored the importance of allowing feelings and unhooking from unuseful thoughts of self-judgment and critique [(00:49:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2953s). ## Conclusion and Future Discussions - The discussion on releasing self-judgment and finding self-compassion is available for review, and further questions and topics will be explored in future sessions [(00:49:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc&t=2982s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tLd4eH5Crc)